The 2017/18 season is now officially over for Chelsea, and fortunately it ended with some silverware. A 1-0 win over Manchester United on Saturday meant the Blues sealed their eighth FA Cup title. Eden Hazard won and scored a penalty, which was the only goal of the game, as Antonio Conte’s side were narrow victors over Jose Mourinho’s side. If reports are to be believed, this would be the Italian’s last game as Chelsea manager, and it would be a nice end to his reign at Stamford Bridge. Here’s who impressed as Chelsea won the FA Cup with a 1-0 win over Manchester United:
3. Thibaut Courtois
It would’ve been easy to have picked the game’s match-winner in this top three, but Eden Hazard narrowly misses out to his compatriot, Thibaut Courtois. The goalkeeper made his first appearance in the competition this season, with Willy Caballero playing in all previous rounds, and he deserved his starting spot by making a number of fine saves. His save from Marcus Rashford kept the Blues in the lead late on.
2. N’Golo Kante
Chelsea’s Player of the Year, and his performance on Saturday showed exactly why he deserved the award. Doing his usual thing, the Frenchman was constantly stealing the ball back and running around tirelessly. He made a brilliant run forward, and could’ve gone alone, but decided to pass to Marcos Alonso, who really should’ve scored. A great display from Kante, as expected.
1. Antonio Rudiger
What a game from Antonio Rudiger. All three of the central defenders performed admirably, but the German was by far the best. From the offset, he was up for the battle and coped with United’s lacklustre front three with absolute ease. The best signing Chelsea made in the summer, and his defensive performance was rock solid. He was strong, quick and powerful when he needed to be. Very, very good from the German. Hopefully he can have a good World Cup with the German national side, and build on it for next season with Chelsea.
